Yesterday I secured a promise from Iain Duncan Smith, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, that a full Jobcentre Plus service would be kept in Deptford if a suitable building could be found.

I met with Mr Duncan Smith to press the case for maintaining a full Jobcentre service in Deptford. I argued that local people needed the full service that is available now and that the limited replacement service being proposed would not suffice. The Secretary of State gave a commitment that a full Jobcentre service would remain in Deptford provided suitable accommodation could be found, and that officials would expand their search for premises that could accommodate the full service.

I am pleased that the Secretary of State recognised Deptford’s need and that the search will continue for a location. I will continue to work with those looking for a suitable building and I hope that one will be found.